Cyclonic spray nozzle

Abstract

A cyclonic spray nozzle having a substantially cylindrical inlet chamber with a closed top end, an open bottom end and a tangential air inlet arranged adjacent to the closed top end. A truncated Cone-shaped discharge chamber having an open top end and an open bottom end of smaller diameter than the open top end, is secured to said open bottom end of said inlet chamber in axial, fluid communicating register therewith. A fluid injector nozzle is positioned within the discharge chamber in operative spraying relation to said open end of said discharge chamber. The nozzle is useful in spraying an axially directed mist of fluid over a relatively long distance, while containing radial overspray.

I claim: 
     
       1. A cyclonic spray nozzle for non-fuel related applications comprising: a substantially cylindrical inlet chamber having a substantially closed top end, an open bottom end and a tangential air inlet arranged adjacent said closed top end;   a truncated cone-shaped discharge chamber having an open top end and an open bottom end discharging to ambient atmosphere, said open bottom end being of smaller diameter than said open top end, said open top end being secured to said open bottom end of said inlet chamber in axial, fluid communicating register therewith; and,   a fluid injector nozzle of substantially smaller diameter than the diameter of said open bottom end of the discharge chamber positioned within said discharge chamber adjacent to said open bottom end of the discharge chamber in non-contacting relation thereto and adjacent to said bottom open end of the discharge chamber in axially aligned operative spraying relation to said open bottom end of said discharge chamber.   
     
     
       2. A cyclonic spray nozzle according to claim 1, wherein a fluid supply line axially extends through said top wall of the inlet chamber and through said discharge chamber for operative connection to said fluid injector nozzle. 
     
     
       3. A cyclonic spray nozzle according to claim 2, wherein a pressure check valve is operatively interconnected into said fluid supply line between said top wall and said fluid injector nozzle. 
     
     
       4. A cyclonic spray nozzle according to claim 3, wherein at least one spiral-shaped directing vane means positioned in axially extending relation within the discharge chamber in non-contacting relation with said fluid injector nozzle for radially rotating an air flow passing axially through said discharge chamber from said open top end to said open bottom end. 
     
     
       5. A cyclonic spray nozzle according to claim 4, having two of said spiral-shaped directing vane means provided, one each, on radially opposed wall portions of said discharge chamber. 
     
     
       6. A cyclonic spray nozzle according to claim 5, wherein said two spiral-shaped directing vane means radially rotate said air flow through substantially 180 degrees of rotation while passing axially through said discharge chamber from said open top end to said open bottom end. 
     
     
       7. A cyclonic spray nozzle according to claim 5, wherein said two spiral-shaped directing vane means radially rotate said air flow through substantially 90 degrees of rotation while passing axially through said discharge chamber from said open top end to said open bottom end. 
     
     
       8. A cyclonic spray nozzle according to claim 6, wherein said two spiral-shaped directing vane means are 90 degrees out of phase one with the other. 
     
     
       9. A cyclonic spray nozzle according to claim 7, wherein said two spiral-shaped directing vane means are 90 degrees out of phase one with the other. 
     
     
       10. A cyclonic spray nozzle according to claims 4, wherein a baffle means for axially deflecting an incoming air flow entering said air inlet is provided in said inlet chamber adjacent said closed top end. 
     
     
       11. A cyclonic spray nozzle according to claim 10, wherein the inlet chamber is dimensioned so as to have a smaller volume than said discharge chamber, thereby to cause a pressure drop in said air flow as it passes from said inlet chamber to said discharge chamber. 
     
     
       12. A cyclonic spray nozzle according to claim 11, wherein the ratio of the axial length of the inlet chamber to the axial length of the discharge chamber is substantially 1:2. 
     
     
       13. A plurality of cyclonic spray nozzles according to claim 12, said plurality being collectively arranged in an arc-like formation with the open ends of the discharge portions of each of said nozzles being directed toward a central zone displaced between the arms of said arc. 
     
     
       14. A plurality of cyclonic spray nozzles according to claim 13, wherein each of said cyclonic spray nozzles is connected at its respective tangential air inlet to one end of a flexibly adjustable air duct constructed from steel reinforced neoprene rubber material. 
     
     
       15. A plurality of cyclonic spray nozzles according to claim 14, wherein the opposite other end of said adjustable air duct is connected to an air supply plenum. 
     
     
       16. A plurality of cyclonic spray nozzles according to claim 15, wherein said air supply plenum is connected to a high capacity fan means. 
     
     
       17. A plurality of cyclonic spray nozzles according to claim 16, wherein the corresponding plurality of fluid supply lines are operatively connected at their opposite other ends to a pressure header, which pressure header is itself in operative fluid communication with a bulk liquid supply tank filled with a liquid to be sprayed through said liquid injector nozzles. 
     
     
       18. A plurality of cyclonic spray nozzles according to claim 17, wherein a fluid flow control valve is operatively interposed in each of the respective ones of said fluid supply lines between said respective pressure check valve and said pressure header.